Ireland: I Love Irish Stew Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of North Dakota) for

AIFS: Limerick - University of Limerick

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved studying abroad. I will never be able to do it again and it has taught me valuable lessons such as patience, adaptability, and to be easygoing since plans can easily change. Hopefully, studying abroad will work hand in hand with my International Studies minor.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was manageable because most of my classes only had a midterm and then a final. That also meant that the two tests were worth so much more than I am used to. I still don't understand the grading system and why a 75% or above is an A1. That needs to be explained better to the students. The teaching methods were all the same. Professors would have a powerpoint presentation and then just talk about the slides. I feel like I could have learned more about the subject from Wikipedia than the actual teachers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought they did a great job. I would have liked more specific information on the country I was going to instead of a general European info session. They also need to explain the grading system and let us know all of our options on what providers are out there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had to buys sheets, pillows, towels, and all of the cleaning products. I don't think the University did a good job in placing us in the right houses. I didn't have a lot of things in common with my roommates so I never really hung out with them. Plus, I don't think it's fair to put all of the international students with first years. They have no idea how to behave themselves or pick up after themselves. My roommate was loud and messy, like the Village in general. I don't why it's okay for people to be partying Sunday-Thursday until all hours of the night egging houses and people. The security should have been better at enforcing quiet hours.

* Food:

There isn't a cafeteria on campus, just a lot of small cafes and pubs. It would have been nice if a meal plan was included. But the food itself was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were a ton of international nights at the Stables and a few opportunities to travel with the group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had an issue with my safety. I felt safe in my room, house, and whenever I traveled. As long as you're not wandering the streets at night by yourself, there shouldn't be any problems.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people in my group.
  • The ease of access traveling.
* What could be improved?
  • The cost. I want a breakdown as to where my money is being spent.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a raincoat and make sure you the hostels you stay at are nice. Any student would benefit from the program. Anyone who wants to travel and try new things without worrying about food too much.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

PO4013

Course Department: Intro to Irish Politcs
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was absolutely terrible. As an intro course it should be for all majors and it is assumed that no one has a wide range of knowledge on the subject. The teacher assumed we were all from Ireland and did a terrible job explaining how the political system works, who are the actors, and the basics of politics.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Gaelic Language

Course Department: GA4115
Instructor: Billy
Instruction Language: English/Irish
Comments: The course was fun to take but when talking to Irish students, they said that we were learning too many things to fast. They didn't even learn it that fast. So we had too much information thrown at us about the language, the history of the language, and the stories of the culture.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Irish Politics

Course Department: PO401
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: